Removal of a knotted catheter lodged in an appendicostomy tract

Abstract

Knots are an unusual complication of catheterization procedures but have been reported in a variety of circumstances. Refractory constipation and colonic dysmotility disorders can be treated with a surgically created appendicostomy that is typically catheterized nightly to administer an antegrade colonic enema. We report a case of a catheter that formed a knot and became lodged in an appendicostomy. We describe the method used to remove the knot and make a recommendation to prevent this complication.